Would we get a better quality of answer if the points system were abolished?

Absolutely; if you look at Q&A forums like MetaFilter Questions (where you have to pay a $5 one off lifetime fee to participate) you get no idiots, no trolls and no "dunno" answers for points to go up a level. You also get sensibly researched answers.

Would you still find it as much fun if everybody gave sensible answers to every question? Some of the pointless q and a are the most interesting- people show sides of themselves they wouldn't do if they were giving a factual answer. If it makes people happy to reply "don't know" or whatever, then really, what harm does it do? l like points, it's a good way of seeing who is established on the site, and who is just a newbie, and therefore perhaps less reliable.

I've only been here a few days and don't even get the points thing and how it works. I thought that it would be an intelligent Q&A Site, How wrong was I? Disappointed for sure as the idea is such a good one! Just a shame more people don't understand that fact!!!!

I never thought about it, but you have a good point. I respond most of the time because I want to change the world. Every little bit helps.

I look at it the total opposite....if there were no point system (as if it matters really), I wouldn't take so much time to answer some of the questions I do with such heart...yes I would, I don't know why I even answered this...

I say yes. I came here the first time for answers to real questions. And it's not only the answers.....but some of the questions...... "What are you thinking right now?" Puh leeze! Is this a chat room? Don't think so.

Well you have to give answers to build up your points to ask questions. Trouble is, (as the song goes) there are more questions than answers!

probably.

what if you could only ask 1 question a day

what is your answer had to be 1000 chars or longer

what if your yahoo account had to be atleast 1 month old..

what if they actually gave u stuff for leveling

what if your account actually got banned

what if you got more than 50 reportings in a day

I think so. All the stupid answers from people trying to be clever puts me off from asking questions!

Its reasonably likely that you'd get better answers, but would as many people spend their days here if they didn't get these pointless points?